Scott No: -
Serial number: 2013-24
Values in set: 2
Date of issue: September 27, 2013
Denomination: 240 fen
Designer: Yu Xue
Size of stamps: 33 * 33 mm
Perforation: 13.5 * 13
Sheet composition: 16
Sheet size: 170 * 200 mm
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

On September 27, 2013, China Post and Sweden Post jointly issued the special stamp set "Table Tennis" with catalog number 2013-24. The set consists of two stamps. The issue date coincided with the opening of the first China International Collectibles & Culture Expo in Beijing in 2013, and the first-day ceremony was held at the expo site.

This stamp set marks the second joint stamp issue between China and Sweden, following the "Rare Birds" stamp issue in 1997. It was issued to enhance friendship and strengthen postal exchanges and cooperation between the two countries. The year 2013 marked the 63rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the People's Republic of China and the Kingdom of Sweden—Sweden was the first Western country to establish diplomatic relations with China, formalized on May 9, 1950. Table tennis is a classic symbol of "small ball moving the big ball" diplomacy. The choice of this theme for a joint issue highlights the deep connection between the two countries in sports and culture, conveying a vision of friendship through sports.

The stamp set comprises two stamps, each with a face value of 1.20 yuan, for a total face value of 2.40 yuan. The stamps were designed by Yu Xue, edited by Dong Yan, and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using the photogravure process. Notably, the Chinese and Swedish editions have different formats: China issued the stamps as a set of two, while Sweden issued them as a single souvenir sheet. The Swedish souvenir sheet features red and yellow border colors, representing the two national flags, further emphasizing the bilateral character of the joint issue and enhancing its collectible value in the international philatelic market.

The figures depicted on the stamps are Chinese table tennis player Deng Yaping and Swedish table tennis player Jan-Ove Waldner. In accordance with China Post's regulations for commemorative stamps, the designer portrayed the figures with a focus on "spiritual resemblance" rather than exact likeness, aiming to capture their playing posture, stroke, serve, and expression.

First stamp, "Loop Drive": Features a female player in a traditional red Chinese team jersey, fully focused, executing a powerful loop drive with her right hand. She leans forward, her body turned to the right with her weight on her right foot. The movement is captured at the moment of impact, with her waist driving her upper arm, transferring the force to her forearm. The stamp uses a red color scheme, symbolizing China's national flag, vividly conveying the player's fighting spirit and determination to win glory for the country.

Second stamp, "Forehand Serve": Shows a male player focusing intently on the ball, his left hand tossing the ball in a high throw as he prepares to strike with his right hand. The stamp employs a blue color scheme, symbolizing Sweden's national flag. The red and blue contrast creates a visually striking pair, capturing the focus and power required for this key serve.

The designer chose red and blue, representing the colors of the two national flags, as the primary background colors for the stamps. The compositions dynamically convey the atmosphere of a table tennis match and its historical and cultural significance, blending competitive tension with a sense of diplomatic warmth.

Background information:

Loop Drive (looping): A topspin attacking shot and a mainstream technique in modern table tennis. It was developed by Japanese player Nishii Yoshiharu to counter chopping. Modern loops have increased spin and flatter trajectories, allowing for greater power generation.

Forehand Serve: A critical technique in table tennis. A high-quality serve can control an opponent, create attacking opportunities, or even score directly. The forehand serve is often executed from a wide stance, allowing for cross-court angles.

Deng Yaping (born February 6, 1973, in Zhengzhou, Henan) won 18 world championships and four Olympic gold medals in two consecutive Games, making her the first player to win consecutive Olympic table tennis gold medals. Known as the "Table Tennis Queen," she combined fast attack with European looping and innovated the "shake-hand grip" serve. Her skills significantly contributed to the development of European players' early-game techniques.

Jan-Ove Waldner, the legendary Swedish table tennis player affectionately known as "Old Waldner" by Chinese fans, was the first male player to achieve a Grand Slam. He competed against several generations of Chinese players over decades and is an iconic figure in China-Sweden table tennis friendship.